Quick Facts on Ulises

Characteristics of Ulises

The Master Builder

Leader

Large Undertakings

Confidence

Discipline

Organization

Etymology & Historical Origin - Ulises

Ulises is the Spanish version of Ulysses. Ulysses, in turn, is the Latin form of the Greek Odysseus, the mythological hero central to Homer’s epic poem the “Odyssey” (written in the 8th century B.C.). The Odyssey tells the story of Odysseus’ ten year journey back to his kingdom in Ithaca, Greece after the Trojan War. In Roman mythology, the name Ulysses (Latin form) is used for Odysseus (Greek form). There is some debate as to the meaning of Odysseus. The most common school of thought among etymologists is that Odysseus is derived from the Greek verb “odyssesthai” meaning “to hate” (such as, the one who is wrathful/hated, perhaps in reference to Odysses’ shrewdness, strength and vigor during the ten-year Trojan War and the ten-year period following his Odyssey back to Ithaca). The ancient Etruscan (Italian) tribe adopted the Greek story and the name Odysseus eventually morphed into Ulixes and finally Ulysses in Latin (and later Ulises in Spanish). In Greek tradition, Odysseus/Ulysses was admired for his shrewdness, trickery and deception, but for the Romans, who were obsessed with ideals of honor; these qualities didn’t sit so well. Still, Odysseus/Ulysses was a brave and tenacious warrior on the side of the Greeks. It was Odysseus who brilliantly devised the wooden horse strategy to get inside the gates of Troy and finally defeat the Trojans and win the war (Homer’s “Iliad”). However, it’s the “Odyssey” which more fully develops the character of Odysseus during his ten year journey to return back to Ithaca and to his wife Penelope and their son Telemachus. For more detail on all the challenging and often perilous adventures experienced by Odysseus/Ulysses according to Greek tradition, see literary references below. Roman poet Virgil wrote the “Aeneid” in the first century B.C. to detail the arrival of the Trojan hero Aeneus in Italy following the end of the Trojan War and the sack of Troy (Aeneus is the legendary ancestor of the Romans according to Virgil). Ulysses also appears in this Latin literary masterpiece, but unlike the Greeks who glorified their heroic Odysseus, Virgil portrayed Ulysses as a “wrathful”, self-indulgent and sinister Greek. According to tradition, Ulysses is also considered the founder of Lisbon, Portugal.

Popularity of the Name Ulises

The Spanish masculine name Ulises first sailed onto the American naming charts in 1985 but did not fully stick firm until the 1990s. Although Ulises has not been a particular favorite among Hispanic-Americans, the name has nonetheless increased in usage as the Spanish-speaking population in the United States as grown. This off-beat, unique Spanish name has managed to reach levels of mild moderation. It’s nice to know that those of Spanish descent in America are embracing this ancient Greek hero. The traditional English spelling Ulysses (from the Latin) fell off the male naming charts in 2005, which means it’s now used so rarely that it’s no longer ranked. We hope people aren’t turned off by the “hateful, wrathful” etymology of the name (which, by the way, remains debatable). It feels more closely tied to the strength, tenacity and cunning of the ancient Greek hero which absolves the name of such pessimistic meaning. Ulysses/Ulises are both highly neglected and underused names in our opinion. A super cool choice for any baby boy. Not to mention Ulysses S. Grant was a major figure in American history. Ulee is also a cute, upbeat and friendly nickname.

Popularity of the Boy Name Ulises

You need Adobe Flash Player 6 (or above) to view the charts. It is a free and lightweight installation from Adobe.com. Please click here to install the same.

Cultural References to the Baby Name - Ulises

Popular Songs on Ulises

Ulises - We cannot find any popular or well-known songs featuring the name Ulises.

Famous People Named Ulises

Famous People Named Ulises - Ulises de la Cruz (Ecuadorian soccer player)

Children of Famous People Named Ulises

Famous People Who Named Their Son Ulises - We cannot find any celebrities or famous people who have named their child Ulises.

Ulises - Boy Baby Name - Historic Figures

Ulysses S. Grant (27 Apr 1822 – 23 Jul 1885) - If there was such a thing as paparazzi in 1869, then Grant would have been their star celebrity. Seriously, this man was the most popular person in America (well, at least in the North). Elected at the age of 46, Ulysses S. Grant was then the youngest President to achieve office at the time (he served between 1869 and 1877). Although he did not receive the White majority vote, it was the voting freed Blacks who helped put him into office (12% of the popular vote). As General of the Army, Grant played one of the most dominant roles in the Civil War (after Lincoln, of course) and was the ultimate war hero. Fiercely loyal, this military man was also known to be shy, humble and modest. His presidency was marked by ongoing problems with Reconstruction. The North wanted to punish the South and the South wanted to punish the Blacks. He had naive faith in his subordinates, but this was politics after all and not war. Scandals and corruption ruled over his commands. Known as the "well-intentioned" president, most of his efforts failed. But he was for equality and he did a lot to protect Black people in the south. Ulysses is actually the Latin equivalent of the Greek Odysseus (the mythological hero of Homer's Odyssey) meaning "the one who is wrathful or hated". But here's a little known fact for you: Grant's birth name was actually Hiram Ulysses Grant (Hiram is from the Hebrew meaning "exalted brother"). So where does the middle initial S come from? Grant's mother's maiden name was Simpson, so by adopting Ulysses as his first name and Simpson as his middle name, he effectively gave himself the initials U.S.

Search Baby Names

Personality of the Boy Name Ulises

The Master Number Twenty-Two combines the traits of Twos and Fours into a powerful force. The references to The Master Builder and "large undertakings" serve to underscore the massive potential of this personality. They are extremely capable and therefore almost always successful. Twenty-Twos are courageous leaders, innovative thinkers, extremely wise and highly organized. As such, they are able to manifest something of major importance that will have a lasting impact on this world. Master Numbers carry with them a great sense of responsibility, so it can be a burden. However, Twenty-Twos are executors and action-takers. Further, this personality exhibits traits of the Twos, which brings sensitivity, spirituality and harmony, so their endeavors are likely to benefit mankind in some capacity.